The genes are composed of DNA and are carried on the chromosomes. Genes direct the production of all the molecules that form the structures that of a cell. Genes determine the inherited characteristics that distinguish one individual from another. Each human has an estimated 90,000 genes.
Schizophrenia linked for first time to chromosome region in study led by Stanford scientists — Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share genetic roots. – Researchers has discovered that nearly a third of the genetic basis of schizophrenia may be attributed to the cumulative actions of thousands of common genetic variants.
Trial shows promise for arthritis drug — Rheumatoid arthritis drug masitinib found effective. – A clinical trial of masitinib, a drug in development for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, has shown it to be well tolerated and effective, revealed by researchers in BioMed Central’s journal Arthritis Research and Therapy.
Dietary fat linked to pancreatic cancer — researchers observed positive associations between pancreatic cancer and intakes of total, saturated, and monounsaturated fat overall, particularly from red meat and dairy food sources. – High intake of dietary fats from red meat and dairy products was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, revealed by researchers. This study was undertaken because research relating fat intake to pancreatic cancer was inconclusive.
Much touted ‘depression risk gene’ may not add to risk after all — New look at data confirms strong association between depression and stressful life events. – Stressful life events are strongly associated with a person’s risk for major depression, but a certain gene variation long thought to increase risk in conjunction with stressful life events actually may have no effect.
Cannabis alters human DNA — Research at University of Leicester highlights cancer risk from cannabis smoke. – Cannabis smoke damages DNA in ways that could potentially increase the risk of cancer development in humans, revealed by researchers. The new study published by University of Leicester researchers in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology.
Aussie and Kiwi researchers make double MS genetic discovery – 2 new locations of genes causing multiple sclerosis. – Two new locations of genes responsible for multiple sclerosis are discovered which will help to unravel the causes of MS and other autoimmune disease, revealed by Australian and New Zealand researchers
Found: 1 in 3 billion — The spelling mistake in the genetic code that causes a type of ovarian cancer. – Eureka! Vancouver scientists from the Ovarian Cancer Research (OvCaRe) Program at BC Cancer Agency and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute have discovered that there appears to be a single spelling mistake in the genetic code of granulosa cell tumours, a rare and often untreatable form of ovarian cancer.
One step closer to turning off cancer genes with gene silencing technology for cervical cancer patients and also with no hair loss. – Researchers at The University of Queensland have developed a way to deliver drugs which can specifically shut down cancer-causing genes in tumour cells while sparing normal healthy tissues.
Penn study demonstrates new way to boost immune memory — Cancer vaccine efficacy enhanced using anti-diabetic drug metformin. – University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine researchers have found that a common anti-diabetic drug might enhance the effectiveness of vaccines. The findings are described this week in an advanced online publication of Nature.
Genes and smoking play role in rheumatoid arthritis — News from Arthritis & Rheumatism. – Recent genetic studies have revealed several new sites of genes that are risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), revealed by researchers in the June issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.
Researchers find breast cancer gene that’s blocked by blood pressure drug. Gene overexpressed in up to 20 percent of breast cancers responds to blood pressure drug in lab, U-M researchers report. – Researchers have identified a gene that is overexpressed in up to 20 percent of breast cancers and that could be blocked in the lab by a currently available blood pressure drug, according to a new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.
LIN28, which maintains cell ‘stemness,’ is abundant in advanced cancers and transforms cells to cancerous state – A protein abundant in embryonic stem cells is now shown to be important in cancer, and offers a possible new target for drug development, report researchers from the Stem Cell Program at Children’s Hospital Boston.
